Tree surgeons boost safety with spider lift hire from Hird
An Octoplus 17 hired from Hird has demonstrated the spider lift’s advantages for maintaining trees.
The tracked spider platform was used to work at height on a tree adjacent to a paved area behind a property.
The spider lift could be set up close to the tree, allowing a tree surgeon to work safely and efficiently without the need for conventional rope access.
Tree work safer from spider lifts
Hird offers a range of spider cherry pickers for hire, with maximum working heights up to 25.7 metres.
Agencies like the HSE, land and property management companies and local authorities increasingly insist tree surgeons work from access platforms, unless it is not possible to do so.
It is much safer than using rope systems, in particular where trees are affected by ash dieback, which causes branches to become brittle and weak.
Tree specialists also say working from spider lifts is more productive and of a higher quality, which is better for the long-term health of the tree.
‘Brilliant’ over rough terrain
The Octoplus 17 spider lift has a maximum working height of 17m, a maximum outreach of 7.6m and a maximum load capacity of 250kg.
Stowed for tracking, the spider cherry picker is 785mm wide and 1980mm high, so it can be tracked through garden gates and along narrow paths.
It can also be moved into buildings through single doorways, where the platform’s tracks support working over sensitive floors.
The Octoplus 17 performs brilliantly over rough terrain where its hydraulic tracks can be extended to increase stability.
It can also be towed on a trailer behind a van or 4×4 with a standard car licence, making it flexible and cost-effective to operate.
Digital safety and productivity
Other features tree surgeons appreciate about Oil&Steel spider lifts include:
- All-steel boom and body panels, making the platform more robust than competitor machines
- All cabling and tubing is stowed in the boom, which reduces snagging risks
- High ground clearance when outriggers are deployed, supporting work across uneven terrain
- One button platform automatic outrigger levelling and stowing for fast and safe platform set-up
- The basket automatically remaining the same distance from a tree, hedge or wall while it is raised or lowered, making it easier and safer to operate.
More spider lift hire options
Ultimately, the Oil&Steel Octoplus 17 can reach places and complete tasks that are beyond the scope of conventional platforms.
Oi&Steel’s Octoplus 21 is also available in the Hird spider lift hire fleet and is also a firm favourite with tree surgeons.
It has a maximum working height of 20.7m and a maximum outreach of 10.6m, the best in its class.
Also available for hire from Hird is the Hinowa Lightlift 26.14 Performance IIIS, which has a maximum working height 25.7m and outreach 13.75m.
Find out more
Talk to Hird today about the flexibility, safety and productivity advantages of hiring spider lifts from Hird, which are available across the UK, via our three operational hubs.
As Hird is an IPAF training centre, we can also provide the appropriate training for your operatives to use the spider platforms safely.
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